Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,467 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,868 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.5% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,681/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,155/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,643/yr |
The Risk Factor
54.5% of students at Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College presents a challenging financial picture with significant limitations for career earnings. The low graduation rate of 54.5% means nearly half of students who enroll never complete their degrees, creating substantial financial risk for families investing in this education.
The school's programs center heavily on ministry and biblical studies, which typically lead to lower-paying career paths in pastoral work, youth ministry, and religious education. These fields often provide meaningful work but limited financial returns, with many graduates earning salaries that may struggle to justify even the relatively modest annual cost of attendance.
Your biggest financial risk here involves the specialized nature of the curriculum. If you change your mind about pursuing ministry, most credits will not transfer easily to secular institutions or programs with better earning potential. The 93.3% retention rate suggests students generally stay engaged, but those who do leave face particularly difficult transitions.
This college makes financial sense if you have a clear calling to ministry work and realistic expectations about pastoral salaries. The relatively low net price of $13,467 annually helps, especially compared to other private colleges. However, you should consider the opportunity cost of four years that could be spent in programs leading to higher-paying careers.
The school's financial aid picture shows only 36.5% of students receive aid, which is unusually low and may indicate either a student body with higher family incomes or limited institutional aid resources. If you qualify for need-based aid at other institutions, you might find better financial packages elsewhere that offset higher sticker prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College worth the cost?
With a net price of $13,467 per year and a 54% graduation rate, Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College offers relatively affordable Christian education but has concerning completion rates. The value depends heavily on your career goals, as ministry positions typically offer lower salaries that may not justify even modest debt levels.
What is the ROI for Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College graduates?
ROI data for Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College is limited, but graduates typically enter ministry or Christian service roles with starting salaries between $25,000-$40,000. The low cost helps, but nearly half of students don't graduate, which significantly impacts overall value.
How much debt do Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College students graduate with?
While specific debt figures aren't available, the relatively low net price of $13,467 annually suggests manageable debt loads for those who complete their programs. However, the 54% graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Which programs at Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College have the best job prospects?
Teacher education and business programs typically offer better earning potential than pure theology or ministry degrees. However, the school's primary focus on biblical studies means most graduates enter lower-paying ministry roles regardless of their specific program.